NBA Notes

NBA players put union chief Billy Hunter on an indefinite leave Friday, two weeks after a report they commissioned questioned Hunter's leadership and criticized him for bad decisions and questionable business practices. The union is forming an interim executive committee and an advisory committee, the group's president, Derek Fisher, said in a statement. An outside attorney also is being hired as players begin moving forward, likely without the man who has guided them since 1996. Fisher pushed for the outside review of Hunter, 70, and the union. That examination by a New York law firm found no illegal use of funds but cited Hunter for a number of poor choices and recommended players discuss whether he should remain in charge during their All-Star weekend meetings.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

New York will play host today to 150 children, their families and teachers from Sandy Hook Elementary School. Twenty or more children from the Newtown (Conn.) Choir from Sabrinas Encore Products will sing the national anthem before the Knicks' game against Sacramento. ...

Indiana coach Frank Vogel said Danny Granger (patellar tendinosis in his left knee) could be back on the court before the All-Star break in mid-February. He has been cleared to participate in full contact practice. ...

Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich returned to Chicago to have his right elbow examined, missing the game against Brooklyn. The Bulls said Hinrich's status “will be determined once all medical information has been gathered.” ...

Jose Calderon didn't play for Detroit on Friday against Cleveland because of visa issues after his trade this week from Toronto. The Spanish-born guard was at Detroit's practice facility, but the team didn't have any specific word on when he'd be able to take the court. ...

Boston first-round draft choice Jared Sullinger had successful lumbar disc surgery and will miss the rest of the season. He is expected to be ready for next season's training camp.

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